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More importantly, where the bloody hell's your soul? Kia's Soul I'm talking. The funky little square box on wheels which despite its fun quirkiness we Aussies refuse to buy.

It wouldn't be so unusual if the rest of the world eschewed them too. But here's the thing. In America, Kia sells more Souls than any other car in its range. Yes, really.

2017 Kia Soul.Photo: Contributed

Not in small numbers either. The Korean brand shifted nearly 150,000 Souls in the States in 2015, making it the best-selling sub-compact car on its market.

For 2015, our top seller in this segment was the Mazda2. In America, the Soul outsells the Mazda by more than four to one.

It's a head scratcher for Kia Australia, so for the MY2017 Soul, the brand is getting more aggressive in its efforts to woo buyers. Especially the "hip urban youths" it first targeted from its 2009 launch.

Prices are down from $26,990 plus on-roads to $24,990 drive away, while exterior styling changes include a refreshed radiator grille, bumper, air intake, fog lamps and wheel design.

But the most compelling reason to buy one, aside from the eye-catching style, is Kia's seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assist. That's of mighty appeal to private and business buyers alike, surely?

In America, these Souls are ubiquitous as mobile billboards for companies, but the same idea simply hasn't caught on here. The proof? Australians bought just 178 Souls in 2015, and sales have dropped off again in 2016 - we've ordered a mere 65 in 2016 thus far. I reckon businesses in particular are missing a trick here, especially with that unbeatable warranty.

2017 Kia Soul.Photo: Contributed

Okay, so it may be a tad plasticky inside, the boot's tiny, it's a bit wanting on the spec front and the Soul can't match its rivals for driving dynamics. But you sit pleasingly high, passenger space is generous and if you like attention, you'll be happy in your mobile style statement.

Plus, as America proves, if you're into aftermarket modifying, few cars respond better to a touch of personalisation than the Soul. It really is a cult car over there.

CALIFORNIA SOUL: Americans go mad for modifying Kia Souls.

From the factory, Australian Souls can be had with single-tone metallic paint for a cheapie $520, while you can go two-tone (a good look for this Kia box) with white body and red roof ($390) or red body with black roof ($910).

Kia is realistic about where the Soul sits in the hearts of the Australian buying public, admitting it has largely flown under the radar on our shores.

SOUL STATEMENT: Modified Soul from America.

"The Soul certainly deserves greater recognition than it has enjoyed and with the preferred SUV-like seating position, a willing 2.0-litre engine, a 6-speed automatic and clever interior space we believe it has a strong future in Australia," said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith.

"Even the best can do with a helping hand from time to time, and for Soul the 2017 adjustments are just that - a bit of a boost for what is an excellent vehicle."

ON TOW: Modified Soul from America.

It could be make or break for the Soul model in Australia if these latest moves don't see a buck up in sales.